i plan on it passing in front of the door.i'm going to have to change the door so it swings out.i will probly make a lift out for the lower level and just duck under the upper.
With my limited space I am planing on putting a staging yard on the lower level. With a little swtching and maybe a coal mine up top. I plan on making the layout in sections so i can move it to a bigger house later on.
From what I read 16-18 inches between levels works well. i was thinking 4% grade my challenger a fef 3's should handle that ok. I don't plan on anything smaller for locos. well maybe a hudson or two later on.
Thats what i was thinking just step one of the upper levels out a little and let the train come up between it and the wall. It almost has to be around the walls because i need a least 30' radius curves.